Do What You Love

I was listening to a tribute to Alex Chilton on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross today. Chilton was a very influential singer, songwriter and guitarist who passed away last week. Only 59 years young, he was supposed to perform at the SXWS festival but instead was remembered there for his many contributions to the music world.

As a member of the Box Tops he had some very early commercial successes. In fact, I was amazed to learn that he performed the hit song, The Letter, when he was just 16 years old!

After the Box Tops, Chilton started a band called Big Star which created some memorable works, none of which propelled Chilton to commercial stardom.

But although the big record deals and commercial successes never materialized, he nevertheless was true to his love of music and that came across to the many musicians he influenced over the years.

Chilton seemed content with the cards he had been dealt. It was a good deal. He carved out a niche for himself that allowed him to perform around the U.S. and the world.

He got a chance to devote himself to his art.

It didn't bring him material riches but he was comfortable enough financially to be able to devote his life to doing what he loved most.

Similarly, I remember listening to an interview with author George Pelecanos who said that he didn't really care all that much about commercial success. He wanted every book he produced to be successful enough to give him the chance to write another one.

You should remember that creating art is its own reward. I think Seth Godin's got it right in his new book Linchpin: Don't be afraid to express yourself...to do your art and to fully use your gifts. Do what you love, radiate that love, and material success will follow.